Below is the text of Mr Major's written Parliamentary Answer on Pensions on 10th March 1987.

Mr. Leigh Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the extent to which pensions have kept pace with inflation since 1979.

Mr. Major The level of retirement pension prevailing for most of 1979 was determined by the uprating of social security benefits in November 1978. Between November 1978 and July 1986 (the latest uprating) the retail price index rose by 90 per cent. and the state retirement pension rose by 98.5 per cent. for a single person and 98.6 per cent. for a married couple.